Your gut can do this!
Share
Your gut is one of the most important organs in your body and can do more than you might think! Its most well-known function is certainly digestion. Did you know that the gut of a 75-year-old person has already processed around 30 tons of food and 50,000 liters of liquid?
The gut has other important functions as well, playing a central role in protecting your body. In this blog post, you'll learn fascinating facts about the functions of the gut.
Structure of your intestines:
The intestines are divided into the small intestine and the large intestine. The small intestine connects directly to the stomach. It is two to three meters long and lies in many loops within the abdominal cavity. The small intestine's function is to further digest food that has been partially digested by saliva and gastric juices and to absorb the usable nutrients through the intestinal lining.
The large intestine follows. It is home to approximately 400 different types of bacteria, as well as other microorganisms and viruses. These form the so-called gut microbiome, also known as gut flora.
The large intestine consists of three sections:
1. The appendix (cecum) :
This is the first section of your large intestine. At this point, the small intestine joins the large intestine. Because it enters the large intestine laterally, a closed "blind" end is formed, hence the name cecum.
2. The colon :
In this section of the intestine, the intestinal contents are fully digested and thickened. Therefore, it is called the large intestine.
3. The rectum :
This forms the last section of the intestine and thus the end of the digestive tract. Stool remains here until it is excreted. Because it is stored in the rectum, the stool does not need to be constantly excreted in small amounts.
Home for your immune system
Around 80% of your immune system is located in the intestinal lining, as many bacteria and pathogens enter the body through food. The gut acts as a kind of barrier, not only absorbing nutrients but also warding off unwanted invaders. A healthy gut therefore plays a crucial role in defending against pathogens and strengthening the immune system.¹
Your second brain
But your immune system isn't the only thing located in your gut. Your gut is home to around 100 million nerve cells – almost as many as in your brain! Through the so-called gut-brain axis, the gut is also in constant communication with your brain. This allows your brain to receive precise information, for example, about whether your food is providing enough nutrients. Furthermore , the gut influences your mental health.²
Regulator of your hormone balance
Your gut plays a key role in the production and regulation of important hormones. A healthy microbiome can positively influence your hormonal balance. Dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin aren't usually associated with the gut—yet they are partly produced in the digestive tract. In fact, over 90 percent of serotonin, also known as the "happiness hormone," is produced and released in the digestive tract. Furthermore, hormones like cholecystokinin and gastrin influence when we feel hungry.
Gut hormones can also "age," because…
From around the age of 30 to 40, your calorie needs decrease. If you were to continue eating as much as you did in your 20s, you would automatically gain weight. This is because the production of important hormones like ghrelin, which is responsible for your feeling of hunger, decreases, while leptin (your satiety hormone) increases.³ By consciously addressing and adjusting your new energy requirements, you can specifically strengthen your body awareness. This will become noticeable as your metabolism adapts, and you will automatically need less energy from food. A great opportunity to make your diet healthier and more balanced! By continuing to train your muscles and consciously choosing your food, you can promote your vitality and fitness in the long term.
Sources:
Small intestine – structure and function